I went to a LARP (and this is how it went)

Almost one year later and I still cannot get over this experience. (Please ignore the music/audio weirdness at some points in this, I got tired and missed them while editing.)
Was able to capture some photos and videos, but a good chunk of what you see here were either friends' photos or pulled from other youtube videos. Please be sure to go give the other creators some love!
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Extra footage & photos were taken by me or pulled from the following videos:
"On pense à vous...", uploaded to youtube by Duché de Bicolline
• On pense à vous...
"Grande bataille de bicolline 2018 Samedi", uploaded to youtube by hunter la nain
• Grande bataille de bic...
"Bicolline Friday Town Walk", uploaded to youtube by Tyler Scott
• Bicolline Friday Town ...
Background music:
"A Celtic Blessing", by Bonnie Grace (Epidemic Sound licence)
"The music of Ireland: Jigs and reels", uploaded to youtube by long nguyen
• The music of Ireland: ...
"Soldier, Poet, King", by The Oh Hellos (tiktok version from a video I made)
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ko-fi.com/tick...

[@ticklespark]

Hello friends! Thank you so much to everyone who's seen this video! Took a while, and was not expecting so many new names to be commenting - you are all so kind and lovely. :) Did want to stop in to clarify about the in-game currency I mentioned - this currency is strictly used by guilds as part of the actual game. Any real-world transaction (such as buying food, drinks, goods from vendors, etc.) uses real money, so you don't need to worry about converting your cash. This said, while some vendors and all Bicolline official places such as the tavern, inn, and tuck shop, all take card, many vendors ONLY take cash, and there are no ATMs onsite. Since these are handmade goods, some items have a high pricetag, so please keep that in mind! Thank you again for watching, and happy LARPing!

[@codycenters3391]

Did you attend Bico 23 or are you planning on going again this year?

[@jeffkane221]

Delighted role playing is alive & well. Old Hippie. Helped ad lib D&D off "Chain Mail" For 2 yrs before Gary compiled and published. Started out as stand up role playing adventures until laughing and falling on the floor. PEACE & LOVE

[@CaptDrake6969]

This video was so great to watch! I'm so glad you had fun at your first ever LARP, Bicolline is an INSANELY fun event to go to first. I also think you'd be surprised by how people would react to you saying you like these kind of events. I've been doing RenFairs and LARPS full time as a merchant for a little over a year now, and we end up trapped in our full garb constantly. We're out 3 weekends a month dressed like elves, knights, Fairies, adventurers, and wizards at random restaurants and gas stations. At first I was self conscious about people thinking we're crazy adult children, but I have not even once had a bad interaction out in public. In college towns people want to know how to join and if it's expensive to start. Getting gas or groceries people ask where we're coming from and I see them frequently the next day. At a nice restaurant on the way home people are always sad to hear our events have just ended and snap a photo with us. Even running out with my mate to grab us some sneaky wings from a sports bar mid day, people watching the game will come over and ask where to start with sword fighting. Fantasy is super main stream now, and I think we're all just stuck in our own heads thinking people will scoff at us. Every old southern mom has had a dream about being a queen or a princess, and every gym buff has seen LotR and wants to take out heaps of baddies with a long sword. I just turned 31, and if I could change anything it would be that I was too ashamed of my interests to let people know, when I finally did I realized it's really not that weird at all. anyway, thanks for coming to my TED talk lol, I'm so happy you found a new hobby you're passionate about! Have fun out there!

[@Chozan1]

This randomly popped up on my recommended. You are enthralling to watch and listen to. Did you ever create a backstory for Elven Princess Moth? Grew up in the streets of Collinswood after her kingdom and family we all destroyed in the War of Que'Thelas. Absconded by the king's trusted Captain of the Guard, you were able to escape sudden death as the castle walls fell. You didn't stop crying for 3 days, only taking a break when you passed out from fatigue. over the next 7 years, Capt. Maltian trained you in the use of all manner of weapons, strategy, and tracking. You were determined to have your revenge on the King who stole your family and happiness from you so many years ago. Yeah. I was just bored lol. Actually, I've created so much more backstory, but you might think this is lame. So i spared you. Looking forward to your net video.

[@AdamMclardy]

Can’t wait. This year will be my first Bico and am coming from Australia with the voyage north. I can’t wait to do some quests!!

[@heyray2011]

I’m going to bico in 2025, I’m Australian too

[@rugrat8430]

I’m comin too Bicco soon, I’m going too explore my first year and find where I best fit guild wise. But I love the Viking/heathen vibe. Hopefully with in the next 2 years🙃 BICOLLINE 2024-2025🎉🎉

[@ticklespark]

There are many viking/heathen guilds, and they only keep growing! Also met some people from one called The Pact, relatively new, and they were all awesome people (the ceremony with the coloured smoke was put on by them). No matter what though, you'll find more than one place and many friends no matter what guild, and there's no rush to take your time before officially joining one! Hopefully you'll be able to get out, it's an amazing time! :)

[@chialeux514]

I just love hanging around new people when they go around and discover Bico, the wonder and enthusiasm are just contagious ! Love the video !

[@ticklespark]

Thank you so much! It really was an unforgettable experience, and I cannot wait to go again! :)

[@leithafae]

UK LARPer here, Love hearing this because i can relate in so many ways to your experience. I've been LARPing since 2008 and still love it to this day. Don't do many big fest LARP's like Biccoline. But I can relate to most what you said. Welcome to our hobby and enjoy grow and thrive. It's helped me gain confidence and strength. LARP has helped me to grow I wish you all good memories and happy times in our hobby. WELCOME

[@ticklespark]

Thank you so much, and YES to all of those things! It allows a different way to shine, and to be excited about the quirky things that are niche to find others that also appreciate them, so very excited to this introduction into a new community. Since 2008?? That's amazing! Do you tend to stick with your favourite LARPs, or try out different ones? What ones have stuck out to you? Thanks for your kind words :)

[@yvesblanchard-eb7bj]

Nice video. I've been there since 1000. I know that you got it, and the blues that follows ...

[@Reikuma-X]

The first 45 seconds alone has me dying, probably rather parasocial of me but I always enjoy seeing your updates. Hope all is well! 🙏🏼

[@ticklespark]

Hah, glad to entertain 😂 All is indeed well, and I hope the same for you!

[@Floki1313]

I know this video is almost a year old. But there is a guy that shows how to make an easy electric torch for larp. Its awesome how he makes it. He is here on KZbin. I want to get into larp more but dont think I can.

[@MatireRicco]

Loved your Bicolline story, doing me go there next year!!!

[@ClearlyPixelated]

Thanks for talking about this! I have been Bico-curious for some time now.

[@ticklespark]

Bico-curious, I love it haha! My pleasure, I hope it shed some light - I've seen many videos on it, but looking back at this one I realize it kinda talks differently about the whole thing. Hope you take the plunge, it's totally worth it!

[@ravencros]

Sounds like you had an awesome adventure! Looking forward to more news about Bicco!

[@Danpanzer88]

Hope to see you and yours at the GB this year. Great vid!

[@ticklespark]

You bet you will! Thank you so much my friend, means a lot :)

[@Danpanzer88]

@@ticklespark the first year is always a magical thing, its all new and shiny, the years after is when you really dig into the many layers of Bico, every guild has a story and its a great deal of fun to learn them.

[@justjon8262]

Alicia, you are a great storyteller! Thank you for letting me spend an hour listening to your story. You are so cool! Like how you just sewed a reversible outfit or two, lol. I hate that I am late to your channel but am happy to have found it! Looking forward to your next post (about anything).

[@cruxchronicles]

So stoked for you to find a place to be you! Seems like you had a magical time indeed! Tis been many a day since I went to a LARP gathering. So much fun and wow to the size of this one!! Epic! Thanks again for sharing :)

[@ticklespark]

Thanks so much Shane :) It really was! Goodness yes, they weren't kidding when they said biggest LARP in North America... I'm not complaining. Appreciate the love, my friend!

[@RUdigitized]

there’s a long video that just came out about this festival and I started the process of going. It looks really really fun and I hear nothing but good things! Can’t wait to go!

[@MythiKat]

Loved watching this! Got me so excited for the gb this year. It was cool to see my guild’s ritual in the video as well. I’m guild lead of the pelt so feel free to come stop by our building in old town this year! Would love to host you for a drink :)

[@vincentmoureau4761]

It was my 1st year to in 1022 and for me it's hard to describe it when I talk to people. You describe how it feel so close, I love that. This year will be so much fun. Have fun to

[@jamesmyung9777]

Hey there! A friend and I attended Bicolline for the Grande Bataille last year as well. We went with The Voyage North, who provided us with meals, lodging and membership with one of three guilds (The March Wardens, Nova Vitae and Ordo Cervi) and all sorts of activities to do as well. The first few days was a bit wet, as there was a massive monsoon that hit us, although our encampment was flooded, it was nowhere near as bad as some of the other groups. The word on the street was that the orcs got it the worse. In spite of the soggy start we all had a marvelous time, going on mini side quests, hanging out at the Auberge Tavern, winning a lottery for solars organized by the dwarves, drinking the night away and partying at Old Town etc. The best part of course was the main battle itself, as it was both intense, fun and exhilarating fighting shoulder to shoulder in a massive battlefield of 5000 people. The trip was definitely worth it and we hope to do so again real soon. Cheers!

[@ticklespark]

Ah yes, TVN - sounds like you had a great experience with them! I know going that route is a great deal more expensive, but I know they do a lot to group people together and give options for how to make the most out of Bico. Yeah, the monsoons were bad - we were lucky in non-decorum, but I felt horrible for the Orcs... they had it BAD. I'm hoping to get my feet wet at the battle this year too, do some quests. So many things to explore! Thanks for commenting, I'm sure this year will be just as good!

[@jamesmyung9777]

@@ticklespark Well since we live in California, and being that this was both our very first larp event we've ever attended, we believe it was worth the extra money to have those who was already in the know do the majority of the "heavy lifting" for us. That way we could really enjoy ourselves without worrying or trying to figure things out, in short it was like hiring tourism company for a larp event LOL! And we absolutely do recommend that the next time you and your merry band attend Bicolline that you give the Grand Bataille a try, as I mentioned previously we found it both amazingly fun and an absolute thrill. Now that Viking group you mentioned in your video seems precisely like our kind of people, hopefully we will try to introduce ourselves the next time we attend. Cheers!

[@ss61983]

this is a beautiful story of yours. ive opften felt the same about my love for fantasy and role playing. my story prety much mirrors yours. and as an adult have had to learn same as you to live my life the way i want to and dive in and own myself. thanks for sharing your experience.

[@ticklespark]

Thank you, and for sharing as well! I'm glad to not be alone in taking a while to find that thing I can be myself with. It's amazing how long it can take to "own yourself" as you aptly put it, doesn't it? I'm glad you've been able to find that too though :) Thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@brendabignall9926]

Hi TickleSpark! 🙋🏻‍♀️🇺🇲 CA So happy for you! It's wonderful to discover a community that you resonate with! I've never been to a Ren Faire or LARP Event, but they sound like fun to me. Thank you for sharing! Hugs & Sparkles! 🫂❤️✨

[@ticklespark]

Thank YOU Brenda for watching and taking the time :) It really was an amazing experience, and one I know will lead to many others. If you have any ren faires close to you, I'd highly recommend checking one out! They can be an absolute blast, and give you a space to just enjoy the childlike wonder of peoples' time, efforts, and hobbies, with completely no pressure. I've never heard anyone to have a bad experience at one! Thanks for the love :)

[@leonielson7138]

I'm glad that you've found your people, Moth. I hope that you did go back and got more involved in the event. I bet you could be a terror on the battlefield!

[@matthewgoodman7588]

Excellent video! One day I need to go to Bicolline

[@TallianAdventures]

This is an amazing video about Bico!!!!! I do all bico content for my channel and the amount of time you had to have put into this video is impressive! I was curious if there was a particular reason you didnt put the name Bicolline in the title? I feel like your video would be a big help for people who want to find out more info about it! you are the only one i have ever seen talk about non decorum camping!!

[@TallianAdventures]

Also I just noticed you gave credit to me for using some footage from a video of mine!! That is so kind of you!!! My old channel name was just Tyler Scott but i changed it after this years Bico to Tallian Adventures. Also the pickpocket game is held by one of my good friends and guildmates named Wren! Such a fun game!

[@TallianAdventures]

I also really relate to having to discover my love for bico/larp alone. Since when I discovered it i was not surrounded by a single person who was interested in this type of thing. Now about 7 years later I have a ton of friends all over the world from Bicolline!!

[@starsixseven9259]

wonderful story, glad you found a little corner of the world for yourself!

[@Romeo-of5yy]

I found you!!! OATHSWORN LOVE!

[@ashleyling7953]

I was there last year the first time too! Its an amazing experience.. I am also in toronto! I will be there for this year too

[@andrewhelmer6853]

Wonderful video !! Thank you !

[@richierich1213]

I also suffer from social anxiety especially when it comes to thinking ppl are inviting you to be nice and not actually meaning it.

[@B.coffin]

Thanks so much for sharing this!

[@Theblaire2010]

At 18:41 that's where I was camping that year my tent is in frame lol and again at 202:22 I really hate that hill I had to climb to go to my tent every time lol. The training at 34:53 was the TVN training with 3 of TVN's guilds in case you were curious. 36:47 yes it is indeed a mage tower I found a cool rock shaped legitimately like a couch there.

[@tcatzmeow]

Thank you for sharing your amazing adventure.

[@ijbewever2908]

i whent to my first larp last weekend and i had exactly the same feelings i belong here why didnt i do this when i was 16

[@k__kida]

This video came up in the recommended, and what is the chance that i know the guy in the picture at @53:29. Must be the most random thing in my life to see Fahad in a random youtube video i clicked on, and this is a second time it happened too. lmaoo

[@Locardox]

youtube show me the cutest elven lady... NO! not so cute.

[@THEBEEDOOBOP]

Well for better or for worse I want to try LARP now. Thanks?

[@ticklespark]

Hehe, got him! 😅 If you give it a try, let me know what you think!

[@SuperHurricane]

Are there any race limitations when going there?

[@starstriker8985]

Expand?

[@SuperHurricane]

@@starstriker8985 Like orcs, elves, koboids, etc.

[@Zedozo]

do u have an of?

[@ticklespark]

FUCK no. 😂